5 lighthouses with truly rocking experiences

As a brand old lighthouse gets ready to pull in tourists from Mumbai, we bring you five lighthouses from across the world that offer absolutely beautiful experiences.

Hook Head Lighthouse, Wexford, Ireland

At 800 years old, the 115ft Hook Lighthouse is the oldest operational lighthouse in the world. Guided tours take place year-round, every half-hour between 10am and 5.30pm between June to August and hourly between 11am and 5pm for the rest of the year. The 115-step climb to the top is worth the view, and you may even be lucky enough to spot whales and dolphins as they breach the surface—winter is the best time to spot these beautiful marine mammals. There is also an onsite cafe, which is known for its seafood chowder and lobster rolls.(http://hookheritage.ie) Admission is EUR 6 (Rs508) for adults and EUR3.50 (Rs296) for ages 5 to 1

Portland Head Light, Maine, USA

Portland Head Light, Maine, USA. Photo: Andre Sa

This 262ft lighthouse is one of the oldest in USA and was first lit in 1791. When it was originally built, the light at the top of the lighthouse consisted of 16 whale-oil lamps. The former lighthouse keeper’s cabin now operates as a museum, stocking a collection of old lenses. The museum is open every day between Memorial Day and 31 October and weekends-only between mid-April and Memorial Day and November to mid-December. (www.portlandheadlight.com) Admission is US$2 (Rs125) for adults and US$1(Rs62) for ages 6 to 18

Cape Otway Lightstation, Victoria, Australia

View from Cape Otway lightstation. Photo: xlynx

In operation since 1848, Cape Otway Lightstation is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Australia. It towers above the frothy sea where the Bass Strait and Southern Ocean meet. It’s also a popular pit stop for those driving down Australia’s Great Ocean Road, along with the nearby Great Otway National Park. (www.lightstation.com) Admission is AUD15.50 (Rs906) for adults and AUD7 (Rs409) onwards for kids

Mull of Galloway Lighthouse, Scotland

Mull of Galloway Lighthouse, Scotland. Photo: Jonathan Bennett

First lit in 1830, the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse in Scotland sits 325ft above sea level. Today, there is an exhibition room where the former engine room used to be, with an array of artefacts on display, like the machines once used to supply air to the fog horn. The lighthouse is open all weekends, bank holidays and additional Mondays in July and August.Admission is GBP2.50 (Rs253) for adults and GBP1 (Rs101) for those under 14

Enoshima Lighthouse, Sh?nan, Japan

View from Enoshima Lighthouse. Photo: moogs

The only modern lighthouse on our list, Enoshima Lighthouse in the Sh?nan region of Japan was completed in 2003. A sleek, glass-and-steel structure, the lighthouse stands 131ft tall and you can get to the top by way of the outdoor circular escalators called esuka. Your constantly circling view as you get to the top includes Mt Fuji, Oshima Island and Yokohama Landmark Park. The lighthouse is open from 9am to 8pm.Admission is JPY500 (Rs321) for adults and JPY200 (Rs159) for kids